# Summary
The Conscience Protection Act of 2024 would prohibit the federal government and entities receiving federal funding from penalizing or discriminating against healthcare providers and organizations that refuse to participate in abortions, provide abortion coverage, or make referrals for abortion services. The bill applies broadly to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, insurance companies, and other healthcare entities. It creates a private right of action allowing individuals and organizations to sue in federal court if they believe their conscience rights have been violated, and successful plaintiffs could recover compensatory damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees. The legislation also strengthens enforcement mechanisms by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights to promptly investigate violations and directing the Secretary to terminate federal funding for non-compliant entities. The bill is intended to reinforce existing federal conscience protection laws dating back to 1973 and does not interfere with emergency medical treatment obligations or prevent healthcare entities from voluntarily providing abortion services.
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